22 May 2006

Lumela in Lesotho and Dumela in South Africa are the Sesotho greeting. Literally, the word means "agree," though it isn't clear what the greeted person is required to agree with. Lumela is singular and lumelang is plural, or respectful what addressed to one person. Which of the responses in this quiz are inappropriate?

Lumela (Hello)

LumelaKe lapile

U phela joang? (How are you?)

HantleSala hantle

Lebitso laka ke Thabiso (My name's Thabiso)

Oena?Ke thabela ho u tseba

Khotso (Hello -- literally "peace")

KhotsoKe hantle

Tsamaea hantle (Goodbye -- literally "go well")

Robala hantleLumela

Ke phela hantle, uena? (I'm fine, and you?)

Sala hantleLe 'na ke phela hantle

Nka u thusa? (May I help you?)

E, kea lebohaE, tsamaea hantle

Le phela joang? (How are you?)

Rea phela, uena?Kea phela, uena?

Sala hantle (Goodbye -- literally "stay well")

Tsamaea hantleKe lapile

Thutiso ena e felile (This quiz is over)

Kea lebohaLebitso laka ke RethabilePractise these over and over until you feel comfortable using them. Most folks learn through books and the internet, without the benefit of talking to people. So use the means at your disposal well, or, what the hell, go to Lesotho for a holiday next time. Remember that in Lesoth, "li" is /dee/ and "lu" is /doo/. Here are two links to visit:

I had so much fun doing this! (: I don't speak Sesotho, but have many Basotho friends, so I guess I picked up something from them along the years! They would be proud to know that I scored 18/20. I love Lesohto too and visited many times. My favourite Sesotho words are letswai and metsie. Thanks for this!